WHAT IS EQUINE ASSISTED PSYCHOTHERAPY?

Equine assisted therapy is a dynamic and experiential approach that utilizes horses in the therapeutic process. Horses are very adept at surviving in challenging situations; their aim is to keep themselves safe and healthy. Through observations and interactions with horses, humans can relearn how to implement such skills ourselves. Working with and observing horses can lead to some realizations of metaphors, and patterns that align with our own lives, as well as bringing awareness to strengths that we can build upon.
Horses respond genuinely, without judgements or preconceptions, and are free from the influence of stereotypes and societal influences. Their honest reactions to our emotional states, and body language allows for powerful "in the moment" feedback. Such feedback can offer insight into maladaptive patterns or behaviors that we may not have been aware of. Unlike traditional talk therapy, equine therapy requires both mental and physical involvement, which may enhance our ability to "get out of our head". The interactive nature can help us break free from rigid thinking patters as working with horses encourages new perspectives, which can lead to new insight.

Do I get to ride?

The majority of EAP is done on the ground, unmounted. A small portion of the exercises are ridden. It is important to remember that EAPs goal is to facilitate the therapeutic process and not to teach horsemanship skills.